Careers News
At the recent Macquarie University Schools Symposium last Friday. Ashley Fell, Director of Advisory at McCrindle presented a thought provoking keynote about the Future of Work and Education. Some interesting findings from McCrindle’s research include:
- 65% of primary school kids today will work in jobs that do not exist yet.
- A school leaver will have 18 jobs across six careers.
- AI fluency is an important survival skill.
The future workforce in Generation Z — defined as people born from 1997 to 2012 — are much more purpose-driven than previous generations however finding purpose with so many options is challenging.
“This is the options generation, with unlimited pathways. But we do them no favours to set them up with endless opportunities with no purpose.” – Mark McCrindle
This is where careers education, experiences and meaningful conversations can greatly assist students in the self-discovery and exploration process. With much information for this generation sourced through TikTok and social media, it is essential that information is critically discerned and verified.
Generation Z’s top desires for careers include:
- 72% want purpose and meaning in their work
- 68% want work to align with their core values
- 65% want a workplace that is a community of strong social connections
- 64% want the work they do to have a positive impact on the world around them
- 64% want workplace flexibility.
With work making up such a significant proportion of our lives, it is encouraging to see research that supports Generation Z’s focus on making positive contributions.
No matter what students study and in what industry, there are core transferable skills which all employers seek. These include:
- Analytical thinking
- Resilience, flexibility and agility
- Leadership and social influence
- Creative thinking
- Motivation and self-awareness.
For the future (2025-2030) emerging core skills required include:
- AI and big data
- Network and cybersecurity
- Technological literacy
- Creative thinking
- Resilience, flexibility and agility.
Upcoming Events at Macquarie University
| Experience Macquarie Days | Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 April |
| Year 12 Webinar: Year 12 Guide to Uni | Wednesday 30 April |
| Year 10 Webinar: Year 10 Guide to Uni Webinar | Wednesday 14 May |
| Year 12 Webinar: Early Entry | Wednesday 4 June |
| OPEN DAY | Saturday 16 August |
Early Entry Applications
| Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme | 2 June: Applications open 2 July: Early bird applications close 2 September: Final applications close |
| Schools Recommendation Scheme (apply through UAC) | 2 April: Applications open 5 September: Applications close 13 November: Offers released |
Mrs Vanessa Shirriff
Head of Careers Education